What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes uncontrollable vomiting and stomach cramps from marijuana use

By El Planteo with information from Benzinga

With the widespread use of cannabis, a condition involving cyclic vomiting, once considered rare and still difficult to determine, is becoming more common, says a doctor. However, there is treatment.

What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)?
Caused by chronic marijuana use, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) causes repetitive episodes of nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach cramps, according to the American Addiction Centers.

Although still not well known or fully understood, CHS is characterized by a strong and often long-lasting sensitivity to THC and possibly other cannabinoids.

Dr. Borisav Stoev, head of the emergency services at São Pedro University Hospital, says it is still unclear how much marijuana needs to be consumed to trigger the disease, although edible forms of marijuana tend to have a delayed effect and possibly lead to unintentional excessive consumption.

He emphasized that the number of patients arriving at the emergency room with these debilitating side effects is increasing.

There are "many patients with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and this is related to excessive alcohol consumption... and usually to prolonged use," Stoev told CBS 2 News.

Why has cannabis hyperemesis syndrome been observed more frequently in hospitals lately?

Andrew Rosner, vice president of the New York Cannabis Association, says that people are starting to feel more comfortable going to hospitals for treatment because marijuana is legal in more states.

"What this creates now is an opportunity to educate about safe use and what hyperemesis is and how to avoid it," he said.

Dr. Stoev explained that it is becoming more common to detect this condition, which historically has been difficult to diagnose with extensive GI testing.

"Before... we didn't know what it was and thought it was something else and couldn't diagnose it," he said; and added that "now we can certainly see it much more often."

Is there a cure?

Fortunately, there is an effective treatment. Although traditional anti-nausea medications are not particularly helpful, Dr. Stoev said that antipsychotic medications like haloperidol act directly on cannabinoid receptors in the patient's body, alleviating symptoms.

"Often, the medication allows symptoms to be controlled in the emergency room and the patient goes home with proper instructions," he said.

Cannabis and digestion

Cannabis primarily interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the human body. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors distributed throughout the body and in the brain/central nervous system. However, the digestive system also has cannabis receptors.

Related content: Study: Cannabis improves quality of life in patients with intestinal diseases

The impact of introducing marijuana into the body can be seen through these intricate and precisely created receptors. Depending on the person and their response, the results can have positive and negative effects on a user.